Classroom Management Strategies for Effective Instruction

Anger

• Anger may be…
• A defense to avoid painful feelings
• Associated with failure
• Associated with low self-esteem
• Associated with feelings of isolation
• Related to feelings of anxiety over where the child has no control

Anger vs. Sadness

• Child – anger and sadness closely related.
• Expresses sadness as anger.
• Adult – expresses sadness as sadness.

Angry Child Interventions

• 1) Catch the child being good. Tell what behaviors please you.
• Respond to positive efforts and reinforce good behavior.
• “Thanks for sitting in your seat quietly.”
• “You worked hard on that project, and I admire you effort.”

Angry Child Interventions

• 2) Deliberately ignore inappropriate behavior that can be tolerated.
• Tell child what you are doing.
• If attention seeking, it will get worse before better.
• Be consistent

Angry Child Interventions

• 3) Provide physical outlets and other alternatives.
• Pre-plan opportunities for child to release stored energy
• Consider meaningful work

Angry Child Interventions

• 4) Manipulate the surroundings.
• Look for triggers both inside/outside your class.
• Re-examine your rules.
• Consider the child’s physical space.

Angry Child Interventions

• 5) Use closeness and touching.
• Move physically closer to the child
• Consider gently placing your hand on the child’s shoulder
• Works best with younger children

Angry Child Interventions

• 6) Express interest in the child’s activities.
• Develop the relationship
• Teachers are often the best therapists

Angry Child Interventions

• 7) Ease tension through humor.
• Attempt to “joke” the child out of an episode.
• This will help “save face”.
• Be careful to distinguish between humor and teasing.
• If sarcastic tone, child may become more angry.